Local

State troopers to step up enforcement of HOV rules

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania State Police are warning drivers about plans for cracking down on HOV lane offenders.

The special lanes on the Parkway North are for high-occupancy vehicles only – which means if you don't have at least two people, you could face a fine of more than $100.

The HOV lanes are restricted to multi-occupant vehicles between the hours of 6 and 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

One driver said he sees people break the rules often.

“I just think if that’s a rule, then you should make sure you have two people in your car. That’s it,” the driver said.

Others agreed that it’s frustrating to watch people break the rules.

“That’s terrible. You should obey the law at all times. Obey all traffic regulations, please,” North Side resident John Anderson said.

Motorcycles are the exception to the rule. They are allowed on the HOV lanes with only one person.

The main goal of the HOV lanes is to reduce congestion on I-279 by promoting ride-sharing and carpooling.